「經典閱讀」課堂系列 / Serial Lectures on Reading of Classics

「經典閱讀」課堂系列 劉再復	Serial Lectures on Reading of Classics Liu Zaifu
(1) 「文化課程」與「經典閱讀」的意義	(1) “Civilisation Courses” and “Reading of Classics”: Their Importance and Significances
(2) 我的六經 (上) 我的六經是《山海經》、《道德經》、《南華經》(《莊子》)、《六祖壇經》、《金剛經》、文學聖經《紅樓夢》	(2) My “Six Classics” *: What They Tell Us (Part 1) * They are: The Book of Mountains and Seas, The Book of Laozi, The Book of Zhuangzi, Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch, Diamond Sutra, and A Dream of Red Mansions.
(3) 我的六經 (下)	(3) My “Six Classics”: What They Tell Us (Part 2)
(4) 《紅樓夢》閱讀方法論	(4) Reading of A Dream of Red Mansions: Three Major Approaches
(5) 《紅樓夢》哲學論綱	(5) Reading of A Dream of Red Mansions: A Philosophical Perspective
(6) 《紅樓夢》父與子衝突的文化內涵	(6) Reading of A Dream of Red Mansions: The Father-Son Conflict and Its Cultural Implications
(7) 《紅樓夢》的審美圖式	(7) Reading of A Dream of Red Mansions: A Girl-Centred Aesthetic Paradigm
(8) 王國維《紅樓夢》評論的建樹與空缺	(8) Wang Guowei’s Critique of A Dream of Red Mansions: Achievements and Shortcomings
(9) 雙典批判：《水滸傳》與《三國演義》	(9) A Critique of Two Classical Novels – The Outlaws of the Marsh and The Three Kingdoms
(10) 中國現代文學的思想語境	(10) Modern/Contemporary Chinese Literature: The Contextual Trends in Thought
(11) 五四新文化運動批評提綱	(11) The May-4th Movement of New Culture: Success and Failure
(12) 中國現代文學的兩大類型	(12) Hot vs. Cold, or Involved vs. Detached: Two Types of Literature in Modern/Contemporary China
[劉再復教授為香港城市大學中國文化中心2007-08學年第二學期所作之系列演講題]	[ Serial lectures by Prof Liu Zaifu at the Chinese Civilisation Centre, CityU of Hong Kong, for Semester B, 2007-08 ] (Translated by Allen Zhuang)

創新是最大的贏家 / Innovators Are Biggest Winners

創新是最大的贏家 張忠謀	Innovators Are Biggest Winners Morris Chang
在1996年，要為“新經濟”作一個定義，那就是新經濟是以科技技術為動力的經濟。五年以後，新現象產生，新經濟的定義，也要改了。它還是以技術為動力，加上一句，應該創新與進取精神蓬勃發展。	IN 1996, one would probably define “new economy” as an economy powered by technology. Now, five years later, various new advancements are calling for a modified view. It is true that new economy is driven by technology, but that is not all. A spirit of innovation and initiative is also fuelling its progress.
因為五年前是科技技術。這五年當中，財富、股票、互聯網，並不只是技術，這是創新與進取精神。	Five years ago, technology was the dominant impetus. But since then an ever stronger momentum has been generated by such players as wealth, stocks, and Internet, which are more than technology. Indeed, they stem from the spirit of innovation and initiative.
所以新經濟是，技術為動力，創新與進取精神使得它蓬勃發展。新經濟不是科技經濟。	Therefore, while technology remains the propelling force for new economy, it is innovation plus initiative that has kept it thriving. New economy is not merely an economy of technology.
社會價值觀的轉變，有幾個重大的改變，最大的贏家可能是創新。	The spirit of innovation, in particular, may well become the leader among a host of emerging values.
雖然在美國科技界，常常聽到創新，可是科技界在美國只是局部的社會。這幾年當中，新經濟使得創新精神變成主流價值。	Talks about innovation have long been commonplace among technology professionals in the US, but they just form a slice of American society. It is in the past few years that new economy has made the spirit of innovation a mainstream virtue.
創新失敗已經不是恥辱，不創新才是恥辱。因為新經濟的成功典範，都是不斷的創新。	Nowadays, it is no shame to suffer failure in striving for something new, but it is shame to stay in a rut. All the role models in new economy are people who never stop pushing for innovations.
第二個價值觀的轉變，那是180度的轉變。從眾到不從眾，幾十年以前在美國，在企業界做事的就是穿灰色西裝，每個人看起來都一樣，那個時代，不從眾是標新立異，不為主流所接受。現在每個人都要有不一樣，我今天穿jeans（牛仔褲）上班，他今天穿有點像睡衣的樣子上班。	The second much-prized value represents an about-turn away from an old-time virtue, namely, from conformity to individuality. Decades ago, Americans in the business world would wear gray suits, one looking like another. Individuality was a sin that was booed in the mainstream society. But today everybody tries to be a different self. I may wear jeans at work, while the guy beside me may wear a pyjama-like suit.
第三點，對公司的忠誠，可說是蕩然無存；但是對職業的忠誠，反而增加。假如你在美國雞尾酒舞會，遇到一個陌生人，問他你做什麼事？以前的答案通常是：我在某某公司當什麼職務。現在問一個陌生人，答案不會是某某公司，他說他是 creative artist，很少說我在某某公司作。	Third, loyalty to one’s company is gone and lost, but people are more devoted to their professions. There was a time when, at a cocktail party, you asked a guest about his job and he told you he was working with ABC Company in the position of XYZ. But today the answer will be different. Your new acquaintance will probably tell you he is, say, a creative artist. It is unlikely that he tells you he belongs to a certain company.
第四點，儲蓄已經不是美德。這是幾年以前經濟學家講的。他所調查的致富之道，決不是儲蓄。在美國，最近幾年的新經濟，就是大家的收入都增加，可是儲蓄率反而減低了。	Fourth, saving is no more a virtue. In fact, a certain economist conducted a study years ago and concluded that saving was far from being the key to wealth. That is why, in recent years, people are earning more but their savings have dropped.
第五點，經驗被貶值，繼續學習的能力被重視，經驗反而是個負擔。在新經濟中成功的人，都是沒有什麼經驗的，他們看到很多有經驗的人帶了很多包袱。	Fifth, one’s past experience is devalued while the ability to keep on learning is treasured. In a sense, one’s past experience has become a liability rather than an asset. Success stories in new economy are mostly inexperienced people. What they find is that many experienced people are handicapped by their past.
而且底薪為主的待遇，絕對不受歡迎。唯一可被接受的待遇，是跟公司股票有關，你的待遇主要是股票，而不是以底薪為主。	In this connection, remuneration in terms of basic pay is not welcome. Attractive salaries are those linked with the company’s shares. The bulk of your pay package is shares, not the basic monthly salary.
第六點，穩定的工作已經不被批准，快速活力的工作被追求。假如你去一個公司，它說你好好做，我們一生都照顧你，這也不受歡迎。	Sixth, secure jobs are no longer sought after, but those requiring energy and drive are preferred. You will not choose a company just because it promises you a life-long care in return for your conscientious service.
但假如一個公司說，你好好做、努力的做，幾年當中，你可能變成百萬富翁、千萬富翁。這種當然有風險，但卻變成大家歡迎的。	Instead, you prefer another company that offers you the opportunity to become a millionaire within a few years provided you do your best, despite the risks involved.
第七點，快速反應，而不是仔細考慮、深思熟慮的態度，是主流價值。十年前，我看的書大部分都建議，在公司不快樂、工作不再有挑戰，也許是因為人事不太融洽，至少應該想一年，才決定離開。這現在不是主流價值，這個太慢了。	Seventh, prompt reaction rather than thoughtful consideration is emphasised. Ten years ago, books I read mostly advised me to pause and ponder for at least one year before deciding to quit if I felt unhappy on my job. This is no longer a popular approach today － waiting for one year is too much.
第八點，人才的價值一直向上升，資本的價值一直向下跌。財富的追求，我相信比舊經濟時代要厲害。有一個比較能彌補的因素，就是財富的捐出、對社會的回饋，無論是對慈善事業也好、對宗教也好、對教育事業也好，倒可能比過去要看得開。	Eighth, talent is highly valued whereas capital funds are less important, though the pursuit for personal richness is all the more intense than in the old economy. But a redeeming tendency is emerging, too. People are more generous nowadays in giving to the public by means of donations to charity, religious bodies, or educational institutions. They are more liberal with their money than before.
(作者是臺灣積電董事長；原文摘自臺灣《天下》雜誌。)	(The author is chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. The Chinese original, of which this is an abridgement, was published in CommonWealth magazine.) (Translated by Allen Zhuang)
[ 原載 2000-07-19 《聯合早報》社論/言論/天下事 (Bilingual Section) ]

急转弯 / Sharp Turns

急转弯 金雨田		Sharp Turns Jin Yu Tian
玩电动赛车游戏，最刺激的莫过于急转弯，尤其跟前突然出现异物，就看本领了。		THE GREATEST thrill in a video game of car racing comes with the sudden turns, especially when obstacles pop up in the road, putting the player’s skill to the test.
现实中驾车，不也是一样，大小转弯，车速与换挡都必须合时，即使驾的是自动排挡车子，不加以控制时速，一个大的弧线，车浮人命也轻了。		The same is true of real-life driving. The motorist must change the gear and speed in good time to tackle the turns ahead – either sharp zigzags or mild bends – even when driving an auto-transmission car. Otherwise, a big swing would throw his vehicle into flight and his life into peril.
路况好，路面平坦，预告牌清楚，直的时候直，急弯的地方早有警示，不疾不徐，一切安好，但人生路可不是这么走的。		It would be well and nice to cruise at a moderate speed on a clear, level and mostly straight road equipped with eye-catching signs to warn people of any abrupt turns ahead. Yet such smooth travelling hardly occurs in human life.
在彼岸南北大道上奔驰，驾车的友甲半途竟拐进老路，理由是，他受不了整两个小时 “康庄大道” 的折磨。在老路上前进，必须打起精神，注意来往车辆、行人、牛羊，当然还有许多的大小转弯。多花了些许时间才转回大道，途中却平添了几个柳暗花明的转弯。		Once, on the new North-South Highway across Malaysia, my friend at the wheel exited halfway into the old road, on the grounds that he couldn’t stand the torment of having to drive on the “super-motorway” for a good two hours. Proceeding on the old road, the driver had to guard against hitting the other vehicles, travellers, and even cattle and sheep in the way, and watch out for the many bends and curves. We took quite a while to return to the Highway after a few more turns led us through a maze of passages.
大道上前行，顺顺畅畅，警觉神经渐松，最忌错过大转弯。有时稍犹疑，再回头，已是数十公里外的事，另一番景物，另一种心情了。		By contrast, a motorist driving with ease on the expressway could risk slackening his alertness and missing a major turn, perhaps with just a second’s hesitation. It would then take him a detour of tens of kilometres to find the right route again. By then he would have traversed entirely different terrains – in a different state of mind.
人生学习，亲情爱情，事业命运，无时不有的大转弯，别哀叹错过几回。		Likewise, in life’s course of schooling, courting, relationships, and careers, crucial changes do occur at every turn but can be missed to our dismay.
留心，我们喊友甲，前方有个急转弯！		And there, we called out to the friend driving the car, “Look out! There’s a sharp turn ahead!” (Translated by Allen Zhuang)
[原載新加坡《聯合早報》(2000)；收入《不著地族 / A Lift-Off People》(潘正鐳著、Allen Zhuang 英譯；Singapore: All Publishing House, 2002)]

“台湾站起来”的联想 / Implications of “Taiwan has stood up”

“台湾站起来”的联想 李气虹	Implications of the “Taiwan has stood up” speech Lee Chih Horng
在各方的高度关注下，台湾总统陈水扁终于在上星期六发表了他的就职演说。在对岸，中国政府关注的是，曾经喊过“台独万万岁”的陈水扁是否会不同于李登辉，承认自己是中国人，回到“一个中国 ”的原则。	WITH all watchful eyes fixed on him, Mr Chen Shui-bian delivered his inaugural speech last Saturday as the new president of Taiwan. Across the Taiwan Strait, Beijing was closely following Chen’s words. It was anxious to see whether the man who had once chanted “Long live Taiwan’s independence” would, unlike his predecessor Mr Lee Teng-hui, acknowledge that he is indeed Chinese and embrace the “one China” principle.
结果，大陆方面有人在计算后发现，陈水扁在其讲稿中提到“台湾”（包括台湾文化、台湾社会和台湾之子）有33次之多，提到“中 华民国”有9次，提到“福尔摩莎”也有两次。	Some in the mainland noted that Chen’s speech contained 33 references to Taiwan (including Taiwan’s culture and society and “children of Taiwan”), nine to the “Republic of China”, and two to “Formosa”.
也有分析家指出，陈水扁以两岸共同处理“未来一个中国的问题 ”，来回避“一个中国”的原则问题；以“两岸人民源自于相同的血缘、文化和历史背景”，来回避北京要他回答的“是否为中国人的问题”。所以，连前民进党主席施明德也认为，陈水扁守住了台湾的立场。	Analysts have further pointed out that the new Taiwanese president evaded the principle of “one China” by suggesting that leaders on both sides jointly deal with the issue of “a future one China”, and that he shunned the question whether he is Chinese by merely stating that “the people across the Taiwan Strait share the same ancestral, cultural, and historical background”. No wonder Mr Shih Ming-teh, former chairman of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, approved of Chen Shui-bian for having upheld Taiwan’s stance.
但更值得注意的是，陈水扁在这项演说中的前半部，三次高呼：“台湾站起来……”，以及最后结语时说：“所有的恩典都要归于台 湾－－我们永远的母亲”、“台湾人民万岁”，让人不禁联想起毛泽东50年前在中华人民共和国成立前夕发表题为“中国人民站起来了”的口号。时空虽有不同，却有相同的民族主义的意味。	Even more noteworthy, in the opening of his inaugural speech, Chen gave three cheers to “Taiwan has stood up”. Also, concluding the speech, he claimed that “all gratitude goes to Taiwan, our eternal mother”, and shouted, “Long live the Taiwanese people!” This cannot help but remind people of the very words by Mao Zedong when he declared the founding of the People’s Republic of China 50 years ago: “The Chinese people have stood up!” Despite the difference in time and space, both statements smack of nationalism, sounding similar on both occasions.
笔者于5月20日在凯达格兰大道上所得到的这种印象，可以从台湾一些倾向独立的报章社论中得到佐证。5月22日，《自由时报》的“自由人”栏目，以及《自立晚报》社长胡元辉发表了题为〈站起来的姿势〉，也都将陈水扁的“台湾站起来”同毛泽东的“中国人民从此站起来了”相提并论。	The impressions I had on May 20 on Kaitegalan Boulevard in front of the Presidential Palace have had echoes from some of the pro-independence press on the island. On May 22, both a special column in The Liberty Times and a commentary in The Independence Evening Post penned by its president elaborated on Mr Chen’s “Taiwan has stood up”, equating it with “the Chinese people have stood up” by Mao Zedong.
“自由人”和胡元辉不约而同地认为，中国人在1949年并没有真正站起来，只是毛泽东“用民族主义包装少数共产新贵上台”；而陈水扁的“台湾站起来”，是具有民主的理性意涵，是台湾人民当家做主。	Both articles maintained that the Chinese people did not genuinely stand up in 1949 when Mao made the declaration. It was a handful of “communist upstarts” who stood up, the statement being couched in Mao Zedong’s nationalistic rhetoric, they argued. By contrast, they claimed, “Taiwan has stood up” as declared by Chen Shui-bian carried a real message of democracy, indicating that the Taiwanese people had become their own masters.
根据《台湾日报》5月22日的一篇新闻分析引述陈水扁就职演讲撰稿小组一名成员的话，整个演讲要强调的就是“台湾站起来了”；其中还提到百多年来中国与台湾所遭遇的坎坷命运，更是要让全世界都注意“台湾并非中国的一部分”。	As quoted by Taiwan Daily on May 22, a member of the speech-writers’ team for President Chen pointed out that the speech, as a whole, had been intended to stress that “Taiwan has stood up”, and that the references to both China and Taiwan having suffered bitterly in the past century had been meant to tell the world that “Taiwan is not part of China”.
该名成员说，这次的演说其实有很多的观念性文字都没有放进去 ，包括“中国人”和“中国文化”都没有放进去，连“一个中国，各自表述”也被最后删掉了。	References to many key concepts had been omitted from the speech, the writer admitted. For example, “the Chinese people” and “Chinese culture” were missing, and even the “one-China principle open to interpretation by both sides” was removed from the final version.
“台独基本教义派”的建国党则指出，陈水扁的讲稿全文站在台湾立场发言，衬映了其所谓“台湾已是事实上主权独立的国家”。但对于说两岸人民为相同血缘，是隐藏了“文化中国”的困扰，削弱了台湾的主体性。	Taiwan Independence Party, which is the fundamentalist wing of the pro-independence camp, praised Chen’s speech because it had spoken up for Taiwan and reflected “the fact that Taiwan is already an independent sovereign state”. But its mention of the people across the Taiwan Strait sharing the same ancestral background, complained the fundamentalists, carried a worrying twist of “cultural China”, which would weaken the message of Taiwanese identity.
爬梳以上零散的信息，笔者想起了曾任陈水扁竞选总干事的邱义仁所说过的一句话：“台湾已是事实上主权独立的国家，它在现阶段的名字就叫‘中华民国’。”	Trying to sort out these observations and implications, I call to mind a statement by Mr Chiou I-jen, formerly the campaign manager for Chen Shui-bian: “Taiwan is already a de facto state of independent sovereignty; at the current stage, its name is ‘the Republic of China’.”
(作者是《聯合早報》驻台北特派员)	(The author is Lianhe Zaobao’s Taipei correspondent.) (Translated by Allen Zhuang)
[原載《聯合早報》2000-05-27 社論/言論/天下事 (Bilingual Section)]

To Chin2333 participants (07)

Dear Chin2333 attenders, For your convenience, here posted is the text (plus a passage in English) that you can use for the assignment. xxxx 這波色情照片的大氾濫，名稱就大有文章：床照、裸照、慾照、淫照，不雅照、三級照、激情照，陳冠希 [的律師] 則稱為“和女朋友的親密照片……”；不僅反映港臺大陸的差異，也反映不同的價值判斷和道德觀。 無疑地，這批號稱上千幅的照片，已經打破了我們所知的華人社會八卦娛樂新聞資訊的暴露紀錄，使類似的璩美鳳、劉嘉玲裸照有如小兒科。當然，和日本家喻戶曉的A片及歐美四級性愛片相比，陳冠希的大作，還只是個人“業餘愛好”而已。 [Source: 金鐘: “色戒陳冠希”，原載香港《開放》雜誌2008年3月號] xxxx Chen said he would leave the local entertainment industry after fulfilling current commitments. His lawyers released a statement saying Chen was the owner of the photographs and images “featuring himself and his lady friends in intimate circumstances”, in an attempt to stop the pictures being circulated on the internet or published in the press. [Source: http://blog.sanriotown.com/yingdong:hellokitty.com/2008/02/26/edison-chen-asks-for- another-chance-and-lawyers-threaten-to-sue-for-breach-of-copyright/ Retrieved on 2008-03-12]

What Makes Silicon Valley A Unique Success / 硅谷成功的独特氛围

What Makes Silicon Valley A Unique Success Lam Pin Foo	硅谷成功的独特氛围 蓝秉湖
SILICON VALLEY is a magnet to which numerous talented engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs have flocked from overseas in search of fame and fast money and to participate in a technological revolution whose impact on mankind will surely surpass the epoch-making European Renaissance and Industrial Revolution of the bygone age.	硅谷犹如一块磁铁，把许许多多秉赋特出的工程师、科学家、企业家从世界各地吸引聚集在这里，一起追求成名致富，并投身于科技革命大潮；这一革命对于人类的影响，必将远超过当年划时代的欧洲文艺复兴和产业革命。
With the rapid spread of the Internet since the early '90s, and the relentless technological innovations generated through it, the information era is truly upon us, profoundly influencing and changing not only our lifestyle, but also the way we work, do business, think and communicate with others.	互联网自1990年代初起急速普及，由此引发的技术革新无坚不摧，信息时代已真正来临。受到深刻影响及改变的，不仅是我们的生活方式，而且是我们工作、交易、思维以及彼此沟通的方式。
The unprecedented success of the Valley is a testimony to the concerted international endeavours and contributions by people from diverse cultural and racial backgrounds, made possible by the favourable political, economic and intellectual climate prevailing, as well as the farsighted policies of the US government.	硅谷前所未有的成功，见证了文化种族背景各异的国际人才的通力合作；所以能如此，不但因为美国政府的政策有远见，而且也因为当地普遍存在有利的政治、经济、文化氛围。
It is noteworthy that close to 50% of its skilled manpower, including engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs, come from Asia. Prominent among them are Indians and Chinese, and not a few Singaporeans. They include such illustrious names as Vinod Khosla who co-founded Sun Microsystems, Jerry Yang of Yahoo, and Singaporean Sim Wong Hoo, to name a few.	值得注意的是，硅谷地区的专业人力资源，包括工程师、科学家和企业家，有将近一半来自亚洲，尤其是印度和中国，也有不少来自新加坡。其中声名卓著者，略举数例，便有升阳微系统的创始人之一文诺·考斯拉、雅虎的创始人杨致远，以及新加坡的沈望傅。
Many countries have, or are in the process of creating, their own "Silicon Valley". So far, none has as yet threatened the pre-eminence of the US prototype. What makes Silicon Valley such a unique entity? There are several crucial factors.	许多国家也有了自己的“硅谷”，或正在着手建设“硅谷”，但至今无一威胁到美国硅谷的领先地位。美国硅谷与众不同，究竟秘诀何在？笔者认为有若干至关重要的因素。
First and foremost, it has the largest concentration of brilliant computer professionals and the best supporting services in the world, and easy access to world-class research institutions, like Stanford University, which continually nurtures would-be geniuses, which the industry needs in order to move forward. Without these advantages, the Valley would be a different place.	首先，硅谷有世界最大最密集的优秀电脑专才群体、最佳的后援服务体系，并紧密联系着斯坦福大学等世界一流的研究机构，而后者正源源不断地培育出电脑业赖以发展的明日天才。若无这些有利条件，硅谷的面貌便会大不一样。
Secondly, it actively encourages, or even exalts, risk-taking. Hence, failure holds no terror and there is no stigma attached to a failed effort. On the contrary, they will try even harder next time round. Such never-say-die approach is the sine qua non for the ultimate triumph in entrepreneurship and technological breakthrough.	其次，硅谷大力提倡、甚至鼓吹颂扬冒险精神，因此失败并不可怕，出师不捷者也无人耻笑，反而会重整旗鼓、再接再厉。这种永不言败的风气，是创业成功和技术突破所不可或缺的。
A third decisive factor is the vital role of venture capitalists who willingly support promising start-ups with urgently needed initial capital to get them started. Some would even give failed entrepreneurs a second chance if convinced that a fresh concept might lead to eventual success.	第三，创业投资家也起了重大作用，他们乐于支持前途看好的新创企业，投入其急需的创业资本以助其起步。甚至对失败的企业，只要认定其概念新颖，最终有可能成功，有的投资家也会给予第二次机会。
Of equal importance, many bright young people and middle level professionals are keen to work for a new venture at substantially reduced remuneration, as it offers more scope for entrepreneurship and job satisfaction than the established companies. There is also a pride of achievement if their efforts contribute to its fruition.	同样重要的是，许多聪颖青年和中层专才并不热衷任职于老字号公司，反而不辞薪酬低下，宁愿为新创的企业效力，因为后者有更广阔的开拓前景，而工作所得的满足感也更大。他们自身的努力若推动企业成功，更可获得自豪之感。
Intellectual challenges aside, it is a common practice for start-ups to offer generous share options to employees in order to attract the right talent into their folds. This is a powerful incentive to motivate the staff to do their utmost and to share in the company's prosperity if it reaches its goal. Many regard this as the foundation of a successful enterprise.	除去心智方面的激励，新创企业为了延揽人才，慣常的做法是慷慨给予员工股票选购权。这一措施有力地推动员工为公司尽心竭力，以期与公司共享成功。许多人认为这是企业成功的基础。
Those that have become high flyers, such as Netscape, Intel, Cisco and Yahoo, have turned many of their employees, including support staff like secretaries, into dot.com millionaires overnight, often at the relatively young age of 20s or 30s.	因此之故，网景、英特尔、思科、雅虎等出类拔萃的公司里，包括秘书等后勤职工在内的许多雇员成了网络公司的股东，往往还在二、三十岁便一夜致富而身家百万。
The Valley's professionals are among the most hardworking people anywhere. A 15-hour day and 7-day week is not uncommon, especially during the start-up stage. They would give up social life, and curtail their family life too, in order to pursue the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It is this single-minded pursuit of excellence, supported by strong ethos of teamwork and esprit de corps, that sustain them until their mission is accomplished.	硅谷中专业人士工作之勤奋努力，举世罕见：每周七日、每日15小时工作寻常无奇，尤其是在创业初期。他们不惜放弃社交生活，减少与家人共处的时间，为的是追求理想彩虹尽头的那一桶金。正是这样一心一意追求卓越，加上强大的齐心合力的团队精神，支撑着他们的奋斗，直至达到目标。
Paper qualifications, though useful, is not a be all and end all. More weight is given to a candidate's proven abilities and aptitude for the job. This is amply demonstrated by industry icons like Apple's Jobs and Wozniak and Microsoft's Gates, all college dropouts who might not have emerged in a qualification-conscious community.	在硅谷，文凭虽然有用，却不是至高无上、一纸定终身，更重要的是求职者的才干须经得起考验，性情资质须与有关职位相合。最佳的事例，莫过于电脑业的偶像人物如苹果电脑的创始人乔布斯与沃兹尼亚克，以及微软的创始人盖茨，他们都是大学里的退学生，若是在讲究学历的社会里，可能永无出头之日。
While racial prejudice no doubt still exists in the United States, albeit in a less degrading form as before, it is hardly discernible in the Valley. What counts most is one's vision and track record, and not one's nationality, colour or creed. This, together with its multiracial society, informal lifestyle and agreeable climate, attracts foreigners to its shores .	种族歧视无疑仍存在于美国，尽管已不及当年的露骨，但在硅谷却近乎绝迹。评价一个人，重要的是看他有何见解，成就经历如何，而不是看他的国籍、肤色、宗教信仰。这一点，加上这里的多元种族社会、不拘礼仪的生活方式，宜人的气候，使得外国人才近悦远来。
Its phenomenal success has led to a worldwide fever to proliferate dot.com companies, both as a prestigious symbol and a quicker way to wealth. Singapore has been part of this rising tide and, consequently, many bright young people have given up their secure jobs to join in the race. But the reality is that, because of its high-risk nature, for every success story there are hundreds who will, perforce, fall by the wayside. Will they get a second chance, given their own operating environment?	硅谷的非凡成功，使全球商界兴起创办网络公司的热潮，既借以抬高身价，又趁机快速发财。新加坡也投入这一潮流，致使众多青年才俊放弃稳定的工作而加入网 络竞赛。事实上，就其本质而言，网络创业原有高度风险，每有一家公司成功，或许便有数百家惨遭淘汰，落败道旁。经营的环境既有不同，这里的落败者能否有第二次机会呢？
However, with the collapse of the US Nasdaq share index earlier this year resulting in the plunge in prices of technology shares listed on it and elsewhere, the hitherto valuable share options held by numerous paper dot.com millionaires have become virtually worthless in these changed circumstances. Those who could not take the heat, as it were, left their employment feeling disillusioned.	今年初，纽约纳斯达克股市指数大跌，致使挂牌于其中以及在各地上市的科技股价格猛泻，情勢劇變，众多账面上的百万富翁先前手持的网络公司股票选购权实际上已分文不值。经不起打击的人心灰意冷，离职而去。
Be that as it may, the majority of the Valley community view this traumatic experience only as a temporary setback for the industry. They are sanguine that its longer-term prospects remain bright as the ultimate potential of the information age has not yet run its full course. They are confident that it will flourish well into this century provided it maintains its cutting-edge in science and technology.	尽管如此，大多數硅谷中人將此痛苦的经历视为电脑业暂时的挫折，他们仍然乐观，认为长期看来前景仍是光明的，信息时代的发展潜能来日方长。他们坚信，电脑网络业只要保持先进科技的势头，在新世纪内还是会长期繁荣下去的。 ( Allen Zhuang 譯)
[原載 2000-09-02 《联合早报》社论/言论/天下事 (Bilingual Section)]